Midlands League – 3rd August 2024 @ Laing Park
Match Report From Ross McGowan
The European Championships this summer may have provided a stop-gap for local football fans but in truth we have all had our eyes on Lochee United’s opening game of the season away to Carnoustie. Lochee have been ever-presents in the top four since the Midlands League’s inauguration in 2021 but went into the new campaign determined to stake a claim for the title.
Buoyed by both the capture of the Quest Cup in May and an encouraging set of pre-season results, Dougie Cameron’s men travelled to Laing Park this afternoon in confident mood and eager to get off to a strong start.
It was the hosts who were out of the blocks quickest though when a mixup in the Lochee defence presented Carnoustie with an opening but Jamie McCabe made an assured stop in the Lochee goal.
Moments later there was more cause for concern as a coming together in the Lochee box resulted in the referee having to wave away strident penalty claims from the home side.
But Lochee soon got their foot on the ball and began to play and with ten minutes gone they forced themselves in front. A slick counter-attack through the middle saw Bobby Linn graft for a corner down the right, and when Ryan Paterson headed Callum Moore’s inswinging delivery off the post Kerr Hay was in the right place at the right time to stab home the rebound and put Lochee 1-0 up.
With Carnoustie briefly stunned, Lochee capitalised and quickly doubled their lead when a fabulous 40 yard crossfield ball from Callum Moore opened up the defence for Bobby Linn to steady himself with his first touch before rifling low and hard across the keeper and take the score to 2-0.
Callum Moore was looking right in the mood in the Lochee midfield as he disguised a clever reverse ball into the path of Kerr Hay but last season’s top scorer had his shot well saved by Clarkson in the Carnoustie goal.
But whilst Carnoustie were down they were certainly not out and they continued to test the Lochee back line with high balls over the top with Ben Christie latching on to one and forcing an alert fingertip save from McCabe.
Pat Smith then got on the end of a Carnoustie corner from the left but had to adjust his positioning late and headed over the bar.
That was as good as it got for the hosts though as Lochee began to rally again towards the end of the first half and the late pressure was converted into a well-worked third goal. Bobby Linn found space down the right and fed inside for Callum Moore to lay a delicate ball into the path of the onrushing Louis Joyce who showed terrific technique and composure to take a touch at high speed before finishing low from six yards out.
3-0 at half-time and although Lochee took ten minutes to find their feet in the opening period they settled well into the game and played the better football in the first 45.
When the teams emerged for the second half it was once again Carnoustie who started the livelier as Pat Smith burst through the inside left channel and dug out a powerful shot that stung McCabe’s palms in the Lochee goal.
But just as we saw in the first half, Lochee soon began to stamp their authority on the game and with 55 minutes gone they killed the contest with a fourth goal. Yet again Callum Moore was instrumental showing dogged determination and strength to hold off two opponents in the centre circle before weighting a perfect through ball for Kerr Hay to chase. Hay was bundled over in the box at the expense of a penalty, and although his spot-kick was well saved by Clarkson the rebound was tucked away by George Johnston to put Lochee 4-0 up.
Lochee continued to boss the game with a Ryan Paterson whipped free-kick saved at the near post, and substitute Danny Cavanagh latching on to a long ball before rounding the keeper but finding his shot blocked by Murray Soutar with the angle closing al the time.
There was a late push for more goals with Bobby Linn shooting narrowly over the bar and Kerr Hay forcing a good save from a difficult angle but in the end Lochee had to settle for four at the full time whistle.
This was a tricky opening fixture for Lochee today but they turned in an impressive display dominating possession and showing a ruthless streak in the final third to run out comfortable winners.
Jamie McCabe produced a solid debut in goal that will certainly transmit confidence throughout the team. However there was only one candidate for man of the match today – Callum Moore was involved in all four of Lochee’s goals and looked the complete midfield package. Combative off the ball, dynamic in possession, and showcasing a fabulous range of passing, he was quite simply head and shoulders above anybody else on the park today and well deserving of the award.
Next up is another tricky fixture away to Downfield next Saturday. As always – COME ON THE CHEE!!!
